Cooking The Best Ways to Cook Perfect, Crispy Bacon

Mmmmm... bacon. Is there a more perfect food? We think not. But is there a better way to make it than standing over a hot pan while dodging flying grease? We think so. We've gathered the data, and there is definitely more than one way to prepare this breakfast anytime favorite. That's why we've put together this list of the best ways to cook bacon.

Bacon gurus have argued over cooking methods for centuries. Okay, maybe that's exaggerating a bit. But food historians date bacon's existence all the way back to the Romans, so you'd think we'd have figured out the best way of cooking bacon by now! But when it comes to those delicious slices of pig meat, chances are you're doing it wrong. Cover it in water while you fry! No, bake it in the oven! Why waste so much time when you can throw it in the microwave?! There are almost too many options to count.

We can all agree that the standard pan-fry definitely works. But as you'll see from this list, there are a number of bacon cooking techniques that you could employ. And with all the chances you have to eat bacon during the day, why wouldn't you want to try them all?

Not sure how to cook bacon in the oven? Or which pan is best for your pig? Before you heat up the kitchen, take a look at our list of the best ways to cook bacon to help you figure it out.

Photo: via Reddit According to America's Test Kitchen, spreading bacon out on a high heated pan and adding enough water to just cover the meat is the best way to cook bacon. Water keeps the initial cooking temperature low, which means bacon retains some of its moisture and stays nice and tender. After water boils, lower to medium heat so the water simmers away. Then switch to low heat until the bacon is browned, crisp, and delicious.

Photo: via TwitterStart with a cold skillet, preferably a cast iron pan, to get crispy bacon. According to Epicurious via Lifehacker, when you use a cold skillet, "the fat [has] plenty of time to melt away, leaving... crunchier (and less greasy) slices."

Photo: via Reddit If you're cooking a pound or more of bacon, The Kitchn suggests throwing it in the oven. Lay the bacon on a baking sheet, stick it on the lowest rack in an oven pre-heated to 400°F. Set your timer for 15-20 minutes for crispy, golden-hued, perfect bacon.

Why not throw your bacon in a marinade for at least 4 hours? MyMansBelly suggests Lawry's Sweet Southern BBQ Marinade. Heat up your grill, but not all burners. Thread the bacon onto skewers and then place the bacon onto indirect heat. Cook for six minutes then flip and cook for another six minutes. Then serve it up!